Why does the Check Engine light not come on when a catalytic converter fails?
A healthy converter will use a lot of oxygen, and so the rear oxygen sensor will see that there is little oxygen coming out of the back of the converter. In this situation, the “check engine” light will not come on to indicate catalytic converter failure, because all is well.
What is the diagnostic code for a catalytic converter?
An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.
What are the signs of a clogged catalytic converter?
1 Engine accelerates poorly or is hard to start. These issues could indicate a clogged catalytic converter, restricting the flow of exhaust out of the engine. 2 A sulfur or “rotten egg” smell. 3 rattling noise when starting the engine 4 Failing the annual or semi-annual emissions test 5 Vehicle warning lights. …
Is it safe to drive with the catalytic converter warning light on?
Is it safe to drive with the catalytic converter warning light on? Catalytic converters are one of the most important additions to the modern automobile. Without them, the quality of air around areas with lots of traffic would be significantly worse.
A healthy converter will use a lot of oxygen, and so the rear oxygen sensor will see that there is little oxygen coming out of the back of the converter. In this situation, the “check engine” light will not come on to indicate catalytic converter failure, because all is well.
An illuminated check engine light or malfunction indicator lamp (CEL or MIL) with a catalytic converter diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is the most common catalytic converter problem indicator.
1 Engine accelerates poorly or is hard to start. These issues could indicate a clogged catalytic converter, restricting the flow of exhaust out of the engine. 2 A sulfur or “rotten egg” smell. 3 rattling noise when starting the engine 4 Failing the annual or semi-annual emissions test 5 Vehicle warning lights.
Can a lazy oxygen sensor cause a catalytic converter problem?
You may need to fix other engine problems in order to solve your catalytic converter problem. A lazy oxygen sensor might falsely indicate a catalytic converter problem, yet not set a DTC for itself. A technician can determine if the sensor is responding as it should.